Calcio storico fiorentino

[3] Even popes, such as Clement VII, Leo XI and Urban VIII, played the sport in Vatican City.

A variation of calcio storico fiorentino was most likely played in the 15th century as well, as a match was organized on the River Arno in 1490, notable as a day so cold the waters were completely frozen.

A team from each quartiere of the city is represented: After playing each other in two opening games, the two overall winners go into the yearly final on 24 June, the feast of San Giovanni (St. John), the Patron Saint of Florence.

During the early decades, in order to encourage wagering and achieve a bettable winner, there were times when bulls would be ushered into the ring in hopes of adding confusion and inciting victory.

The modern version of calcio has not changed much from its historical roots, which allow tactics such as head-butting, punching, elbowing, and choking.

They do not actively participate in the game, but can organize their teams and occasionally act as caccas (referees), mainly to calm down their players or to stop fights.

The game starts when the pallaio[clarification needed] throws and kicks the ball toward the center line, then at the first whistle as the ball first rests on field, 15 forwards or corridori, begin fighting in a wild mixed martial arts match- punching, kicking, tripping, hacking, tackling, and wrestling with each other in an effort designed to tire opponents' defenses, but which often descends into an all-out brawl.

It is important to shoot with precision, because every time a player throws or kicks the ball above the net, the opposing team is awarded with a half caccia.

(titled "Pervapalooza"), the demon Orcus references calcio storico fiorentino while trapped inside Blue Scaramucci's body.

The Mirror & the Light, Hilary Mantel's novel about Thomas Cromwell, contains a description of an early 16th-century game of calcio storico fiorentino, emphasising its brutality.

[10] Episode 1 of the 2020 Netflix series Home Game is dedicated to calcio storico fiorentino, featuring behind-the-scenes player vignettes contemporary to the 2019 Reds-versus-Whites final match.